The Moonstone eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 733 pages of information about The Moonstone.

The Moonstone eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 733 pages of information about The Moonstone.

When I folded up my things that night—­when I reflected on the true riches which I had scattered with such a lavish hand, from top to bottom of the house of my wealthy aunt—­I declare I felt as free from all anxiety as if I had been a child again.  I was so light-hearted that I sang a verse of the Evening Hymn.  I was so light-hearted that I fell asleep before I could sing another.  Quite like a child again! quite like a child again!

So I passed that blissful night.  On rising the next morning, how young I felt!  I might add, how young I looked, if I were capable of dwelling on the concerns of my own perishable body.  But I am not capable—­and I add nothing.

Towards luncheon time—­not for the sake of the creature-comforts, but for the certainty of finding dear aunt—­I put on my bonnet to go to Montagu Square.  Just as I was ready, the maid at the lodgings in which I then lived looked in at the door, and said, “Lady Verinder’s servant, to see Miss Clack.”

I occupied the parlour-floor, at that period of my residence in London.  The front parlour was my sitting-room.  Very small, very low in the ceiling, very poorly furnished—­but, oh, so neat!  I looked into the passage to see which of Lady Verinder’s servants had asked for me.  It was the young footman, Samuel—­a civil fresh-coloured person, with a teachable look and a very obliging manner.  I had always felt a spiritual interest in Samuel, and a wish to try him with a few serious words.  On this occasion, I invited him into my sitting-room.

He came in, with a large parcel under his arm.  When he put the parcel down, it appeared to frighten him.  “My lady’s love, Miss; and I was to say that you would find a letter inside.”  Having given that message, the fresh-coloured young footman surprised me by looking as if he would have liked to run away.

I detained him to make a few kind inquiries.  Could I see my aunt, if I called in Montagu Square?  No; she had gone out for a drive.  Miss Rachel had gone with her, and Mr. Ablewhite had taken a seat in the carriage, too.  Knowing how sadly dear Mr. Godfrey’s charitable work was in arrear, I thought it odd that he should be going out driving, like an idle man.  I stopped Samuel at the door, and made a few more kind inquiries.  Miss Rachel was going to a ball that night, and Mr. Ablewhite had arranged to come to coffee, and go with her.  There was a morning concert advertised for to-morrow, and Samuel was ordered to take places for a large party, including a place for Mr. Ablewhite.  “All the tickets may be gone, Miss,” said this innocent youth, “if I don’t run and get them at once!” He ran as he said the words—­and I found myself alone again, with some anxious thoughts to occupy me.

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Project Gutenberg
The Moonstone from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.